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1 <br /> Civic Engagement continued <br /> Partner with schools to foster a greater record the number of people who participate in city-sponsored <br /> committees and other events,and to pinpoint those programs <br /> sense of community engagement and that are most successful in garnering this engagement.Through <br /> inclusion. these measurements,the city can be more effective in growing <br /> those programs that attract the highest levels of interest and <br /> In the section of this report devoted to education,the committee involvement. <br /> recommends several ways to build stronger partnerships with <br /> schools.Those partnerships deserve additional mention in Five-Year Success Measure:By 2023,the city has continued to <br /> this section.While city staff members are currently working expand and update its social media programs.Everett residents <br /> with schools as conduits for information and engagement,the have a broad understanding of the ways in which they can be <br /> importance of this outreach cannot be overstated.Schools are a involved,and there is clear communication about how citizen <br /> natural place for parents to receive information about community opinion has influenced city decisions.There is a measurable <br /> meetings and events.Because they are interested in the welfare increase in the number of people who have become involved in <br /> of their children,parents are more likely to pay attention to their city. <br /> information disseminated through the school and will likely find <br /> it easy and convenient to attend community meetings at their Offer more, and different, experiences <br /> neighborhood school. <br /> Moreover,the school environment can be more welcoming to for civic engagement and leadership, <br /> immigrant families than City Hall.Emerson Elementary School's with a particular focus on "going <br /> current program that offers English language instruction to the where people already are." <br /> parents of students is just one example of outreach that should <br /> continue to be supported by the city.Engagement at this level can The EnvisionEverett Committee supports current efforts to <br /> serve as an incubator,those who participate in interesting and "go where people are"to encourage more civic engagement. <br /> helpful events at their local school can become active volunteers in Committee members urge that these efforts continue and be <br /> city programs at other levels. expanded.The city should go beyond community meetings and <br /> implement programs that are more active.Examples of these <br /> As noted above,the committee supports the implementation of include"Adopt a Park,""Adopt a Playground," "Neighborhood <br /> a new Civics Academy,and further emphasizes that this academy Block Watch." <br /> should be offered in middle and high schools.The students of <br /> today will be the leaders of tomorrow. As the city has recognized,it is important to be actively at work in <br /> the community,and not expect that Everett residents will travel <br /> Five-Year Success Measure:By 2023 the community engagement to City Hall for public meetings.The community engagement <br /> team has expanded its partnerships with city schools.Myriad team continues to build upon the formal and informal networks <br /> opportunities for information and engagement are offered that already exist throughout the city,and this work should <br /> through these partnerships. continue.The EnvisionEverett 2037 Committee strongly believes <br /> that all neighborhoods should be tapped into in a way that best <br /> Actively incorporate citizen feedback in encourages their active participation. <br /> major decisions. Five-Year Success Measure:By 2023,the city has made measurable <br /> strides in expanding involvement opportunities that are <br /> EnvisionEverett Committee members urge the city to pursue every focused on existing neighborhood networks and activities.City <br /> available opportunity to make sure its residents are informed and government is clearly active in all areas of the city. <br /> consulted prior to major decisions.Social media can facilitate this <br /> interaction.As social media technologies evolve over the next 20 <br /> years,the city should stay abreast of advancements and adopt <br /> those that are most applicable. <br /> Committee members urge the city to actively engage residents in <br /> the decisions that shape the quality of life in Everett.The vision <br /> for 2037 is strong,two-way communication that reaches out to <br /> each of the city's neighborhoods and actively seeks input on major <br /> decisions.It is most important to make sure people know they <br /> have been heard,and to help them understand the way in which <br /> their opinions have helped to shape city decision-making. <br /> In addition,it is important that the city institute an active <br /> monitoring effort to measure levels of participation.Committee <br /> members recommend that a system be implemented to accurately <br /> 30 <br /> 31 <br />